Chinese food Blunder

Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Yesterday, I got in a great workout at the gym. Did 65 minutes including the cool down on the elliptical and did about 10 minutes of strength training. Burned over 600 calories.

After the workout, my sister and I went to pick up our mom and she was hungry and wanted Chinese food. I knew it was a bad choice...I knew it would blow all the calories I worked off....yet I still gave in..no excuses..just the honest truth. I'm not beating myself up. I know Chinese food is loaded with calories and fat. Yes, it was delicious but I don't think it was worth it. I put the food into the tracker & I knew it wouldn't be good but HOLY COW! It was horrible. The GOOD news is that in my family, two people share one box. It's still bad but you have to find something good out of the situation.

NO more of that after working out. I don't work hard in the gym to just blow it.
Lesson learned!!

Still, it's about progress, not perfection. Everyone has a bad day with nutrition so go ahead and confess...what did you cave into?

**I just also want to say this doesn't mean there isn't room for days to have things that aren't the healthiest. I just don't want to blow a huge portion of my calories on one meal, especially after a really great workout! I have to find the balance.

I think that you can have some Chinese food in moderation. Just pick things like stir frys rather than something deep fried etc. You can maybe order something separate from your family that is a healthier option. We have to have treats once in awhile or we get fed up and really go off the rails. Oh, and have the sauce separate so you can control how much you use. Good for you for working out so hard.

You declared that it will not happen again. So what will you do if the offer is made again? Will you ask to pick up something for you? Will you hold off and wait until you get home to make something? Will you bring a snack to the gym to eat after working out to hold you over until you can get ahold of a healthy meal? Will you review the menu and decide what meal you would be okay eating that is healthier but still an indulgence so the next time you get the offer you already know what to get?

If you have options about how to handle situations like this in the future, then you'll know what to do when it happens. Our society is often centered around food and events that include food. It's isolating to attempt to avoid all situations like this, but if you plan ahead of time you can make a better choice that won't derail you while still allowing you to be a part of it all.

Every "step back" is a lesson learned. We need to indulge ourselves once in a while without feeling guilty about it. It's over, it's done, it's history. Now, you will make a better choice in the future!Stay focused and determined.Sheila

You can still have Chinese and enjoy it but you have to make different choices. I love string beans with chicken no rice, no crunchy noodles and no fortune cookie. Yes it still has calories but it is steamed and not fried and burns fast in the body. If you can handle no sauce or ask for sauce on the side, that is even better. Remember we are living a life and situations happen. Just make the best choices in the moment!